Tottenham vs Manchester United has always been a big game, but this time the focus was on a grand, special occasion: White Hart Lane’s finale.
Spurs are moving to a new stadium starting from the 2018-19 season, with the team set to play their home games at Wembley next season while the new stadium is constructed, meaning Sunday’s game brought down the curtains on White Hart Lane’s 118-year history.
Tottenham were able to send their stadium off with a rousing win, beating United 2-1 in a game which wasn’t as close as the scoreline suggests.
Here are three things you may have missed from Spurs’ White Hart Lane farewell.
Although the buildup to White Hart Lane’s farewell was not as extended as West Ham’s farewell to Upton Park last year, Spurs made sure to ramp up the nostalgia before the final game.
Thus, it was no surprise to see the team’s social media handles be active in the hours before kick-off, with this video among the highlights.
Anyone who watched would certainly have felt the goosebumps.
A great insight into White Hart Lane from some football voices you'll recognise. #TheLaneTheFinale #COYS pic.twitter.com/l62hL1k0kA
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) May 14, 2017
Also unsurprising were the number of ex-Tottenham players and managers who turned up for this special occasion.
Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov, who formed a lethal strike partnership for Spurs over a decade ago, were reunited, while former managers Harry Redknapp, Martin Jol, and David Pleat were also in attendance.
Fan favourite David Ginola, who won the 1999 PFA Player of the Year award, was also among the luminaries invited.
Former managers here for the occasion. #COYS #TheLaneTheFinale pic.twitter.com/indW89oLPl
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) May 14, 2017
Former Spurs strike partners Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov pictured together again at White Hart Lane. #THFC pic.twitter.com/wQ8Kr4mP2d
— Hotspur Related (@HotspurRelated) May 14, 2017
With this the final game at White Hart Lane, it’s worth remembering the first.
Back in 1899, when it was known as High Road, Spurs beat Notts County 4-1 in a friendly. There were 5,000 in attendance, compared to the 38,000-plus who made it for the finale.
Now it’s time for Spurs to enter a new era.
Tottenham Hotspur's first match at White Hart Lane was a 4-1 friendly win against Notts County in 1899#COYS #NCFC https://t.co/CY2Y4no6po pic.twitter.com/Lky1WfchO2
— My Football Facts (@myfootballfacts) May 14, 2017
